Still More Nats Parking

Everybody knew parking was supposed to be a mess around the new ballpark in Southeast, but it turns out there's more than was bargained for.

The Nationals went about searching out nearly 5,000 spaces in the neighborhood, selling them to season ticket holders for as much as $35 a game (triple the rate at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium last year.)

There were fewer takers than expected so the Nats began to make some spaces available to single game ticket buyers online. And starting with today's homestand, fans will be able to drive up and plunk down their money at the lots--prices range from $15 to $20 depending on how close the lot is. And for those who really want to drop some cash, valet parking will be available for $50.

"There's still a lot of people who show up and want to park," said Nationals executive Gregory McCarthy. "They tended to park illegally."

So, the team is doing neighbors a favor and offering those fans a chance to pony up for a place to park.

The valet parking will be at the old Metro bus garage on M Street and fans there can use credit cards.

The team hopes to add credit card payments on site at other lots. But for now it's cash only at lot W, on M Street across from the Navy Yard, and lot T at Third and K Streets, which are $20 and $15 at lot HH, north of the ballpark on South Capitol near Interstate 295.

It's still possible to buy parking at all those locations online at the Nationals website, nationals.com/waytogo.